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Press Release

ADL Welcomes Sentencing in Arizona Mail-Bombing Case

Phoenix, AZ, May 23, 2012....The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the 40-year prison sentence handed down to white supremacist Dennis Mahon for his conviction in the mail bomb attack that seriously injured three City of Scottsdale employees in February 2004. The primary target of the bombing was Don Logan, the city's Director of Diversity and Dialogue, who was seriously injured.

"With ADL having played such a multifaceted role in this case, we are gratified with the sentence. We commend Judge Campbell for his clarifying remarks preceding the sentencing, and prosecutors Mike Morrissey and John Boyle for the diligence with which they pursued justice in this lengthy ordeal.

Above all, we share the relief of our friend Don Logan, for whom there is finally a degree of closure to his eight-year nightmare. This case highlighted the very best about law enforcement: dedication and perseverance. The bomb was meant to send a message of hate. This sentence sends a strong message to the citizens of Arizona that violence in the name of hate and extremism will not be tolerated in this country."

Because of Logan's title, and the fact that he is African-American, there were immediate suspicions that the bombing was committed a hate crime. During the trial, the jury did not rule that race was the primary motivator in targeting Logan. However, during sentencing, Judge David Campbell noted that the jury was never asked if they thought the bombing was a hate crime and that the question asked of them was much narrower in scope. Judge Campbell characterized the attack as "domestic terrorism" with the intent to inflame racial discord, which was, in his opinion, a hate crime.

The terrorist act launched a difficult, exhaustive investigation that took over five years and involved the dedicated efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in multiple states. During the investigation, the Anti-Defamation League provided assistance to the agencies involved.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.